When you are traveling to and from the London Stansted Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
Brief Overview of London Stansted Airport
About 68 km (42 miles) northeast of Central London in Essex, lies a small yet busy international airport, called the London Stansted Airport.
The London Stansted Airport is a home base to low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which serves over a hundred international destinations from the airport. An extraordinarily functional and efficient airport, it is enjoyed as much by business passengers as those visiting with families. The airport is a gateway to the United Kingdom’s main city.
IATA: STN
Address:
Bassingbourne Road
Enterprise House
Essex
CM24 1QW
Contact: +44 0844 335 1803
Website: https://www.stanstedairport.com/
Operation Hours: The London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain food concessions, transportation, and other facilities may not offer their services 24 hours. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may also vary with the flight schedule. Hence, it is advised that you check with the airport.
Airport Terminal
The London Stansted Airport has one main passenger terminal, which is located close to the district of Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex. There are three passenger satellites in which the departure gates are situated.
One is linked to the main terminal by an air bridge and the other two are connected by the Stansted Airport Transit System people mover. The terminal is divided into three areas.
These different areas include the check-in and main concourse along the front, the Departures area in the direction of the back left, and the Arrivals area that is on the back right upon entry.
There are no gates in the main terminal building. Thus, as an alternative, there are three separate oblong satellite buildings in which the gates are located.
The domestic arrivals area uses a separate exit route, which is located at the opposite end of the Terminal to the International arrivals hall. This exit is linked completely via a footbridge from Satellite 2, Gates 81 through 88.
There is another building, called the Advanced Passenger Vehicle (APV), which is used for flights departing during the busy 06:00 to 08:00 period. The APV building is linked to the main terminal building by an accessible route and acts as a bus terminal for international flights at far-off stands.
Airport Parking
Parking options are available and the rates depend on how long you want to park your vehicle. The London Stansted Airport has a variety of vehicle parking facilities with long, mid, and short-term options.
There is also Valet and Meet and Greet Parking services available. There are two drop-off areas available. The express area is located close to the short-term car park, whilst a free service is available within the mid-stay. A fee is charged for the express service. Here we’ll discuss the available parking Lots at the London Stansted Airport.
Meet & Greet:
Meet & Greet parking options available at the London Stansted Airport which offers you a premium service where you need to arrive only with your car and leave to a parking official, the rest of the work will be done by the parking staff.
- Your car will be under full security with the eye of the camera and the security guards.
- It is also the closest to the terminal, you need to walk for 2 min only.
- You can book your space with advance booking.
- Free-cancellation option is available up to one hour before your booking schedule.
- Rate: £80.00 for 8 days.
JetParks:
It is one of the cheapest parking options available at the London Stansted Airport which is best for long-term stay parking.
- This parking is equipped with modern technology that scans your car’s number automatically.
- Far from the terminal so, free-bus shuttle service is available from this parking every 15 minutes.
- It is also equipped with a camera which helps to protect your car from theft and damage.
- You can book your parking space through the website in advance and also have the option of free cancellation.
*Note This parking lot is closed from 1st Nov to 31st march due to maintenance work.
Long Stay Parking:
- Perfect for parking for long periods of time. If you need to go on vacation for a longer period of time. Perfect for parking for 2 weeks or more than 2 weeks.
- It is also equipped with a camera which helps to protect your car from theft and damage.
- Located farthest from the terminal but a free shuttle bus service is available every 15 minutes.
- Price: £59.99 for 8 days.
Mid-day stay
- Equipped with a camera that gives security to your vehicles.
- Pre-booking is available for the convenience of getting space in advance.
- Free bus service is available every 10 minutes.
- Rate: £69.99 for 8 days.
Short Stay Parking
- This parking is located just right next to the terminal so, you can reach the terminal with a short walk.
- Equipped with CCTV for the security of the vehicle.
- Book your space in advance at the best prices.
- Free cancellation is available.
- Price: £59.99 for 4 days.
Airlines Served by London Stansted Airport
Several international and domestic passenger airlines that make their flights from and to the London Stansted Airport include:
Air Corsica, Air India, Air Moldova, Air Senegal, Albawings, AnadoluJet, Arkia, Atlasglobal, Aurigny, Austrian Airways, British Airways, EasyJet, Emirates, Eurowings, Freebird Airlines, HiSky, Jet2, Lauda, Logan Air, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Titan Airways, TUI Airways, Urai Airways, and Wideroe.
Facilities and Services Available at London Stansted Airport
The London Stansted Airport provides amenities to travelers to make their experience worthwhile.
Security Check-points
There are security checks at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through these security checks.
Help Desk
When you are at the San Juan Airport and need help, there are help desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport.
You can easily get information about the airport, and flights, or even page a person, send or receive faxes, make photocopies or print online boarding documents (£5.00 each) at the airport’s Information Desk. It is located in the International Arrivals area, landside and Departures lounge, airside,
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Stations
Wi-Fi is available at San Juan Airport, in case you need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. In addition to Wi-Fi, mobile charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your phone’s battery. Free Wi-Fi is, however, limited to a few hours only and then you are required to pay to use the internet. The Wi-Fi is provided by Boingo Hotspots, so if you require extra Wi-Fi time, then you will need to sign up for the internet service. You can also use internet kiosks at the airport.
Baggage Handling and Storage
The airport provides facilities for luggage storage and handling, although there may be charges involved.
Baggage Trolleys:
Baggage trolleys are available in designated areas of the terminal, such as baggage reclaim, car parks, and the airport rail and coach stations. However, a refundable deposit of £1, €1, or $0.25 is required.
Luggage Storage and Lockers:
Left luggage storage is available at the following per-item rates: £8 per day (£48 per week) for carry-on suitcases/bags, £10 per day (£60 per week) for larger suitcases/bags, and £20 per day (£120 per week) for oversized items.
You can find them at the Luggage-Point Airport Services desk, landside, International Arrivals, Zone A. These are accessible 24 hours.
Luggage Weighing:
For £1 per bag, you can avoid overage charges by checking the weight of your luggage before you check it in. Six Luggage Point weight check systems are located throughout Zones A – G, landside in the Check-In area. If your bag is overweight, you get a free weight recheck after you have adjusted the weight.
Luggage Wrapping:
Rates start at £10 per bag. You can find it located at the Luggage-Point Airport Services desk, landside, International Arrivals, Zone A. The facility is available 24 hours.
Lounges and Business Conference Rooms
The airport offers premium lounges with complementary facilities and services, including access to free Wi-Fi. You can always use these lounges to relax, and also when having a stopover.
The lounges can be accessed by either paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or lounge membership programs. The airport’s Escape Lounge is located in the main departure lounge, across security checks and the duty-free area.
Entry to the Escape Lounge costs around £19.99 per adult and £14.99 per child (between the ages of 6 and 11) if you pre-book online. You can pay an additional £25 and £16.50, respectively if you choose to pay on the day. Unfortunately, children under the age of 6 are not allowed inside the lounge.
London Stansted Airport additionally has enormous conferencing facilities, located at short distances from the main terminal building. The United Business Center has meeting rooms for up to 30 delegates. The Hilton has sixteen assembly and conference rooms, with a capacity for up to 250 people, and the Radisson SAS has 26 rooms, the biggest of which can accommodate 400 delegates.
ATM
ATMs are available at San Juan Airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATM if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at
Shops and Duty-Free Stores
There is a wide range of shops at London Stansted Airport. A lot of the stores are located in the departures area, past the security checkpoints. You can shop for iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry accessories at Add+, or buy fashion clothes at All Saints, quintessentially British souvenirs at Glorious Britain, toys at Hamleys, and books, newspapers, and magazines at WH Smith.
There are additionally some high-end boutique stores, Hugo Boss and Swarovski, a convenience store Spar, and a duty-free store World Duty-Free.
Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants
There’s an extensive variety of food and beverage outlets at the London Stansted Airport. These restaurants and snack bars cater to each and every feasible craving. People who are fond of fast food will find the usual selection, which includes Burger King, Starbucks, and Krispy Kreme.
For breakfast, you can try Frankie & Benny’s, and for fresh, healthy meals, you cannot go without trying Pret A Manger. If you are looking to have a sit-down family meal, Ponti’s is a firm favorite, and if you are simply looking for something to drink, head to the Bridge Bar and Eating House.
Other Airport Facilities
Other services at London Stansted Airport include baby care facilities, family rooms, showers, prayer rooms, pharmacies, medical services, bookmakers (Coral), and facilities for disabled passengers.
Hotels at and near London Stansted Airport
Finding accommodations at the London Stansted Airport or nearby should not be a problem for you as there are several hotels out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find comfortable places to stay during your visit to London.
There are luxury and budget hotels that are located on-site and near London Stansted Airport, if you need a place to stay for your holiday. A few hotels will also provide pre-booking, parking, and transportation facilities.
Days Inn Hotel:
The hotel is located about a 10-minute drive from the airport’s terminal.
De Salis:
The hotel is located about a 5 minutes shuttle from the airport’s terminal.
Holiday Inn:
The hotel is located about a 5 minutes shuttle from the airport’s terminal.
Novotel:
The hotel is located about a 6 minutes shuttle from the airport’s terminal.
Premier Inn:
The hotel is located about 15 minutes shuttle from the airport’s terminal.
Radisson Blu:
The hotel is located within walking distance of about 5 minutes from the airport’s terminal.
Ramada:
The hotel is located about a 10-minute drive from the airport’s terminal.
Travelodge:
The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport’s terminal.
Airport Lodge:
The hotel is located about a 10-minute drive from the airport’s terminal.
Hampton by Hilton Hotel:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport’s terminal.
Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to the hotel and/or airport. A few hotels in and around central London provide free shuttle services to and from London Stansted Airport.
Bus Services
Need a bus ride? There are public transportation services that serve at the London Stansted Airport and can take you not only to hotels, can also to enjoy a ride in the city and go on sightseeing as well. The airport is connected to bus transportation services.
Whether you need a shuttle bus to the train station, a speedy bus connection to central London, or a long-distance coach, you can take a bus ride and reach places with convenience. The airport’s bus and train service is located opposite the main terminal entrance.
Tickets can be bought at ticket desks in the Arrivals area, at the bus and coach terminal, or onboard from the bus driver. The service is offered 24 hours.
Train Services
There is a train station located below the main terminal building, which is only a 2-minute stroll from Check-in and Arrivals area.
Trains are serviced to central London and distant places. You can purchase train tickets online, at the train station, or in the Arrivals area of the airport’s terminal.
The London Stansted Express provides service between Stansted Airport and the main Liverpool Street Station, with travel instances from 47 minutes. Other station stops include Tottenham Hale and Stratford (London).
Taxi Services
24×7 Stansted is the main taxi service company that offers taxi services from and to London Stansted Airport. Fares are flat rates, charged according to the destination, which is inclusive of any extra fees or tolls. You can also pay using credit cards. Alternatively, you may use the minicabit mobile app to compare the prices of various airport taxi companies and book your choice of ride when you are satisfied with the fare charged for your road trip.
Car Hire/Rental Services
You can hire/rent a car at the airport terminal and there are quite a few companies that provide such services to travelers. These companies include Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Alamo, National, Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz.
Conclusion
You should take a moment to discuss any special requirements that you may have with your travel agent, tour operator, or airline when you book your holiday. If you have not thought about this, you will need to book help through your airline at least 48 hours before your visit to the airport.
